Sounds of Music C

[AlphaTauri]

That does not seem fun...especially since I don't think they let you use calculators.

Edit: Never mind. According to draft rules, they don't let you use calculators for the judging part, but I assume you're still allowed to use them for the test. In any case, what are some common equations that we would be likely to come across on a SoM test?

[blue cobra]

You... plug the values into that equation. 110 = 10 * log (I/10^-12). The "log" is just a logarithm, like the mathematical operator.

To solve for I, which is what the problem calls for, just divide the 10 out of both sides, then take the log out of the equation by making both sides the power on 10, so 10^11 = I/10^-12, then multiplying gives you I = 0.1 W/m^2, though that part is all just basic math. Flavor was right - all you needed to know, besides the equations you had, was the numerical value for the threshold for hearing, which is 10^-12 W/m^2.

Thank you. It was the log that I didn't know.

[Paradox21]

I always thought the test was more of an interview and less of a paper test. So I wouldn't expect too many math problems or anything.

[dickyjones]

I'm very confused right now. Aren't violins, guitars, etc under the category chordophones? In the draft rules chordophones are one of the groups allowed.

Are you still calling these the draft rules?

http://soinc.org/sites/default/files/up ... MusicC.pdf

All of 'em seem to be here.

For the record and it's been said quite a few times (read the whole thread people >.>) those are NOT the draft rules. The draft rules are not going to be online

yea, the draft ones I've seen where it says Instrument 1 and Instrument 2 on those FueL say Wind Instrument and Percussion Instrument.

This difference is why people are saying you can't have string instruments.

Though things could still change considering those are only the draft rules.....

If you check the event descriptions they describe the event as:

Prior to the competition, students will build one wind instrument and one percussion instrument based on a 12 tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operation and be able to perform a major scale, a required melody and a chosen melody with each.

When I did the event, I'd say at least half of all teams made string instruments (I don't think there was one wind instrument in the top 6 at nats in 2008) so it should be an interesting change if it does turn out that way. Also, we never were allowed calculators in competition. There were some math questions but all you only had to explain how to calculate an answer or multiply something by two. At nats, the whole test part was "explain the physics of sound." It was an interesting 4 minutes...

[zyzzyva980]

"Explain the physics of sound". That's it?

[Starapollo1]

Alright so the draft says we're limited to a percussion and a wind... but could you do two winds? Like idk a woodwind and a brass? I know they reccomend two different families on the wiki, but would a brass and a woodwind be in the same wind family or seperate cause of brass and woodwind??

[AlphaTauri]

I think the (draft) rules say something like...

Instrument 1: Wind
Max Range: X to X
Required Scale: X major

Instrument 2: Percussion
Max Range: X to X
Required Scale: X major

...so I believe you would have to build one of each family to get full points.

[doctor]

we have to make one of each?
ugh
gonna go learn how to play a winds instrument

[quizbowl]

does wind include brass instruments, like trombones?

[doctor]

yep i was considering to make a trombone but i have no idea how to play it